Service Aftercare: PPF, Ceramic Coating, & Car Wash Maintenance Tips

Surface Aftercare is vital to preserving and maintaining automotive finishes. The same is true of enhanced protection technologies such as Paint Protection Film (PPF) or Ceramic Coatings. Proper & Regular vehicle washing enables ALL forms of protection to perform their best by avoiding topical contamination build up. Some topical contaminants are very aggressive and are able to wreak havoc if allowed to dwell on surfaces, potentially effecting how surface protection technologies work.

Aftercare: Paint Protection Film (PPF) – 0-14 Days After Installation

Vehicles protected with PPF do not need much maintenance other than regular maintenance wash cycles and silica sealant every 3-4 months.

Therefore, for the first TWO WEEKS after PPF is installed, remember the following:

• Air bubbles and water take up to 14 days to fully dry.
• Never pick at film because this compromised the installation and/or adhesive.
• No unnecessary water exposure or car washing for at least 7 days.
• Do not use a Pressure washer to clean PPF film edges. If dirty, GENTLY use a wash mitt to clean areas.
• Keep a regular vehicle wash schedule. E.g. once every 2 weeks for daily drivers.
• Every 3-4 months apply CarPro Reload to the surface to help with ease of maintenance and water spots. (product linked below)

Application Method of Silica Sealant to Vehicles with Coatings or PPF

We recommend applying a Silica based Sealant (such as CarPro Reload) at least 2-3 times a year for vehicles that are stored in garages during evenings. For vehicles living outside 24/7 365, we recommend applying as many as 4-5 times a year. This depends on the environmental and climate conditions of your area.

Application time is quick and simple; 20 minutes, even when done very slowly:

• Start with a clean vehicle with cool panels in a shaded area.
• Dilute into a spray bottle 1:1 – 1 part Reload to 1 part Distilled H2O.
• Mist 2-3 sprays of the product onto a clean plush microfiber towel then spread evenly over the panel.
• Use just enough product so it is detectable while wiping on.
• Spread it evenly over the panel, wiping in an aerodynamic pattern.
• After applying to the entire panel, use a second clean microfiber towel and wipe the section until the surface appears clear.
• The silica sealant works great on wheels to protect them from ferrous iron contamination while making cleaning super simple and fast.